Are New Brunswick Kids Getting Enough Activity?

What Fredericton Parents Need to Know About Movement & Screen Time From A Pediatric Chiropractor

As a Fredericton chiropractor for kids, I see every day how movement influences posture, coordination, emotional health, and learning — especially through the school-age years.

The latest New Brunswick Health Council (NBHC) 2024–2025 Youth Health Snapshot sheds light on how our children and teens are doing when it comes to physical activity and screen time.

The results highlight a growing need to support kids in moving more and sitting less — for healthier spines and healthier brains.

Youth Physical Activity in New Brunswick

According to the NBHC report, only 24% of New Brunswick youth (Grades 6–12) are meeting the national guideline of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day.

That means:

3 out of 4 kids are not getting enough daily activity.

Activity levels vary across the province — ranging from about 18% at the lowest to approximately 32% at the highest — but the overall pattern is consistent:

Most kids are spending significantly more time sitting than moving.

Why Does This Matter?

Regular physical activity supports:

• Healthy spinal development

• Core strength and posture

• Balance and motor coordination

• Mood and emotional resilience

• Brain development and focus

• Better sleep

From a chiropractic perspective, these are foundational building blocks — especially for children navigating rapid physical and neurological growth.

Screen Time: The Other Side of the Equation

Physical activity is only half the picture. Screen time creates its own set of challenges.

The NBHC found that only 12% of youth keep recreational screen time below the recommended 2 hours per day.

That means:

Nearly 90% of NB youth exceed healthy screen-time limits.

Higher screen time contributes to:

• More sedentary time

• Forward-head posture / “tech neck”

• Reduced physical activity

• Increased stress and sleep concerns

• Greater risk of pain and stiffness

As a clinic supporting pediatric chiropractic care in Fredericton, we frequently see posture changes related to device use as early as elementary school.

Why Movement Matters for Growing Bodies & Brains

Movement isn’t just about fitness — it plays a major role in how the brain and nervous system develop.

Kids who move more tend to show:
✅ Better coordination and balance
✅ Improved concentration and learning
✅ More confidence
✅ Better emotional regulation
✅ Fewer musculoskeletal complaints

Because chiropractic care focuses on how the spine and nervous system work together, we see firsthand how intentional movement benefits physical and emotional well-being.

How Pediatric Chiropractic Can Help

A pediatric chiropractor can support children by:

• Assessing posture, gait, and spinal mobility

• Identifying areas of stress, imbalance, or tension

• Guiding age-appropriate movements to build strength and body awareness

• Recommending practical changes around ergonomics and screen time

• Helping families integrate more active habits into daily routines

In our office, we help kids build confidence and movement literacy through a better brain-body connection.

Supporting Healthy Growth in Fredericton

The NBHC results are a reminder that supporting youth movement is a shared priority across families, schools, and communities.

If you’re curious about how pediatric chiropractic care can help your child move better, feel better, and build healthy habits for life, our team is here to help.

We provide movement and development-focused chiropractic care for kids in Fredericton and surrounding communities.

Book a visit or learn more about how we can support your child to be more active.